Aussie seniors reckon today's parents are a bit useless

Australian grandparents worry their grandchildren are set for unhappy futures, shows a new study.

The Raising Modern Australia report is the eighth installment of the Australian Seniors Series, an ongoing survey that aims to explore the shifting attitudes, concerns and emerging trends affecting Australia’s over 50s. The study examines the views and changing roles of Australian grandparents and the impact they believe modern parenting styles will have on their grandchildren.

The survey identifies a generational shift in parenting behaviours, with the overwhelming majority of grandparents agreeing that parenting styles have changed significantly since they were children and seven in 10 fearing this could mean their grandchildren will not enjoy life as they have.

Change is not always for the best according to almost three in five seniors, who share the opinion that parenting styles have become worse over the years. Among the key shifts in parenting trends, grandparents believe parents spoil children too much these days and are notably less strict.

Aussie grandparents are a little worried and um, yes, about you ... Image: Getty.

"Today’s report shows the real concerns Australian grandparents have about the effect modern parenting could have on their grandchildren, and highlights generational differences in raising children," says Chief Marketing Officer and Australian Seniors spokesperson Simon Hovell.

"We are seeing a fundamental shift in the traditional roles of grandparents and parents when it comes to raising Aussie children."

Today, parents are seen to be adopting behaviours that were previously expected from grandparents, such as spoiling children, the research shows.

"Interestingly, this has led grandparents to assume more disciplinarian responsibilities, as the research revealed that just under a third of grandparents discipline their grandchildren more than the parents” adds Mr Hovell.

When asked about the consequences current parenting styles could have on children, eight in 10 grandparents believe the praise and reward-inspired culture that exists today will negatively impact the future of their grandchildren, while almost 80 per cent believe children will have an increased sense of entitlement.

Similarly, about three quarters of grandparents are surprised by the way children are brought up these days and agree that modern-day parenting styles are eroding important values in society.

"It is clear that the seniors of contemporary Australia have identified a significant and paramount shift in parenting styles when compared to when they were raising children," says Psychotherapist Dr Karen Phillip.

Like to learn more about parents and kids and how they're faring? Listen to our new podcast Honey Mums by clicking the link below.

"This can often challenge the role that seniors have grown up with given many grandparents today feel they have a responsibility to help parent their grandchildren.

"This report confirms parenting trends do vary from generation to generation, and grandparents have concerns about what this means for their grandchildren. The most useful thing parents and grandparents can do is have a conversation about their differences of opinion and experiences,” adds Dr Phillip.

Grandparents today also have concerns with modern day influences that can have an impact on their grandchildren.

The research reveals that nearly all grandparents are concerned about the things that are influencing children, for example social media and the amount of time spent online. Concerns also extend to their own offspring with three quarters of Aussie grandparents agreeing that parents are not taking the time to simply enjoy being a parent.

Despite the concerns grandparents have, they are happy to make sacrifices to contribute to the wellbeing of their grandchildren. More than seven in 10 grandparents agree they have made sacrifices to care for their grandchildren on a weekly basis, such as having to be on call when needed, or altering plans with friends to care for grandchildren.

Further, almost a third of selfless seniors have shifted holiday and travel arrangements or have changed work arrangements to be there for their grandchildren. Regardless of this, almost all of those who care for their grandchildren agree this creates positive outcomes for their health, shows the survey.

Not only do Australian grandparents contribute with their time, but just under half contribute financially towards their family for birthday and Christmas presents for their grandchildren.

“It is hoped that the strong concerns grandparents have for the future happiness and resilience of the next generation could be mitigated by the support and wisdom they provide their grandchildren, which can help to nurture them into happy, healthy adults,” says Dr Phillip.